Indianapolis, IN -- The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) will induct Dr. Eddie Thompson into the CGP Hall of Fame 2026. Eddie founded the unique Thompson & Associates process and continues to provide leadership and direction to charitable estate planners with an inspiring sense of generosity, integrity and passion for helping others.

The Hall of Fame Award, CGP’s highest honor, recognizes those whose life's work has impacted charitable gift planning. Their work advances the mission of CGP and brings credit to all the professions engaged in charitable planning.

By creating a unique values-based model at Thompson & Associates, Eddie and his team have established a way for people to dedicate the necessary time to consider important life decisions and to engage in thoughtful discussion that leads to optimal results for all.

He has planned thousands of estates, which has generated billions of dollars to charity during his thirty plus years working with nonprofits. Eddie speaks to organizations from coast to coast on successful fundraising techniques, nonprofit management and charitable estate planning and has garnered many honors during his distinguished career. He credits his parents with shaping his personal and professional path; they were very poor, but very generous.

Eddie serves as the chair of the Charitable Estate Planning Institute, a 501(c)(3) public charity offering top level education on charitable estate planning for development staff, gift planning officers and professional advisors. Eddie and a group of Thompson & Associates colleagues formed the Institute in 2012.  He is also a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning (FCEP) awarded by the Institute. 

Beyond his direct impact on thousands of estate plans, Eddie continues to share his expertise with organizations nationwide leaving a lasting legacy on donors and colleagues alike. Eddie will be inducted into the CGP Hall of Fame at CGP Conference 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Nominations for the Hall of Fame Award 2027 will open in June. Learn more about the CGP Awards, previous winners and how to nominate or apply at charitablegiftplanners.org/awards.

About CGP:
The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is the leading organization setting standards for charitable gift planners. We bring members together to learn, connect and advocate. We provide education and resources that enrich and advance careers. We connect colleagues at all levels through our national network—including those who defined the field. We exist to serve our distinguished profession and bring to life the art and science of charitable gift planning.